United’s sponsor bodog have vowed to give boss Brian Reid a major cash injection in a bid to fuel his side’s assault on the Scottish and League Cups.

Billionaire Ayre – the flamboyant owner of the world’s largest online betting brand – started backing United last summer but it’s only now the serious money will start to roll into Somerset ahead of two big matches.

First Reid’s men will face bitter Ayrshire rivals Kilmarnock at Hampden on Saturday, January 28 in the League Cup semi-final.

Then they take on Falkirk in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Somerset next month.

And Canadian-born Ayre has dipped into his own pocket to fund a deal for a big top-flight name. Ayre said: “I’ve had so much support from the people of Ayr since I took the sponsorship and for the team to have got so far in both cups is an unexpected bonus.

“I would love to see them reach the final and I am prepared to invest a bit more in the club to see if we can do just that.”

Reid added: “It is fantastic Calvin is taking so much interest in the club and we welcome his financial input.

“I am absolutely delighted with any kind of support I can get.”

Bodog spokesman Ed Pownall said: “It is up to Brian who he brings into the club but I believe it is a well-known SPL face.”